Oregon man charged with DUI and manslaughter in fatal crash

A Portland man was killed in a single-car accident in the early morning hours of Feb. 16. The driver involved was taken into custody and now faces multiple charges including manslaughter.

The accident took place at the intersection of Fremont Street and Northeast 102nd Avenue at about 6 a.m. when a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix struck a utility pole. The right rear seat passenger died at the accident scene. In all, there were six people in the car. Two other passengers suffered minor injuries and were treated.

Upon the driver’s release from the hospital, he was taken into custody and charged with reckless driving, second-degree criminal mischief, failure to perform the duties of a driver, two counts of second-degree assault, DUI and cocaine possession. In addition to the accident-related charges, the driver had an outstanding warrant for failure to perform the duties of a driver, reckless driving, drunk driving, and cocaine possession. Police are continuing their investigation of the fatal accident and are searching for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or have information about the incident.

A passenger was also taken into custody after receiving treatment for minor injuries. He had an outstanding warrant for violating post-prison supervision, interfering with public transportation, carrying a concealed weapon, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, third-degree escape, interfering with a police officer and third-degree theft of services. Investigators suspect that a sixth individual fled the scene before paramedics and law enforcement arrived.

Two of the individuals in this story are facing multiple serious charges that may result in prison time if they are convicted. One option for someone facing multiple charges may be to accept a plea bargain. A prosecutor might be willing to combine or drop some of the charges if the defendant is willing to plead guilty to the remaining charges. A Portland area defense lawyer may help to negotiate the terms of the prosecution.